While the White House said there is no connection between Mr. Obama’s 2012 campaign and his decision to attend the National Action Network’s annual convention, some of the president’s supporters and political observers said the visit marks the beginning of a series of events designed to shore up support among Mr. Obama’s base, specifically African-Americans.
“Anytime you run for re-election, the first places you go are your base and your foundation of support—you try to make sure that’s tight,” said Assemblyman Keith Wright, chairman of the Manhattan Democratic Committee. “If your base and foundation are not solid, there’s a chance there could be some chinks in the armor.”
The visit also comes amid a bruising Capitol Hill budget battle with Republicans.
By sharing the stage with Mr. Sharpton at the outset of his reelection campaign, the president is sending a signal that the reverend has become a key ally, both in terms of policy and politics, observers say. That marks a stark contrast from the 2008 campaign, when Mr. Obama’s aides initially viewed any partnership with Mr. Sharpton, who has been accused of inflaming racial tensions, as potentially damaging. Read the full story at WSJ.com.
